Innovative Drug Targets Liver Tissue Structure to Combat Alcohol-Related Liver Damage

Researchers from King's College London's Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies have developed advanced 3D models using human liver tissue to explore a promising new treatment for alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). They focused on a drug known as a cyclophilin inhibitor, which shows potential in reversing liver fibrosis—the accumulation of scar tissue that causes the liver to stiffen and lose function.

In their study, liver tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing surgery to remove tumors, providing a realistic model of human liver pathology. These samples were exposed to alcohol in laboratory conditions to simulate liver damage caused by excessive drinking. The team then applied the cyclophilin inhibitor to observe its effects.

Results demonstrated that the drug effectively halted the buildup of structural proteins responsible for tissue stiffening. It achieved this by reducing fibrosis and enabling the liver tissue to remodel itself back toward a healthier state. Further investigations focused on stellate cells, which are key drivers of fibrosis. By activating these cells in vitro and treating them with the drug, researchers observed significant changes in the production of structural proteins, leading to a reshaping of tissue architecture.

The significance of these findings lies in the fact that the study utilized human-derived tissues, making the results highly relevant for future clinical applications. Currently, there are no approved therapies specifically for alcohol-induced liver fibrosis, and patients are often excluded from clinical trials. This research highlights the potential of cyclophilin inhibitors as a new therapeutic avenue, encouraging further development and testing in human trials.

Published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, the study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations in advancing liver disease research. The findings could pave the way for more effective treatments targeting the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals suffering from ALD.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-drug-reshapes-tissue-architecture-alcohol.html